The National’s Homecoming Fest Returns to Cincy This Weekend
very once in a while, it’s good to come home again. In 2018, The National did just that. Known elsewhere as a Brooklyn band, the fans in Cincinnati know that The National’s roots are in the Queen City, all members growing up around the city and originally forming under another moniker before relocating to New York City and finding fame. 5 years ago, the band acknowledged those roots with the inaugural Homecoming Festival; the show was a success for both the band and the city and a second Homecoming was slated to take place in 2020, but like many things that year, the festival fell victim to Covid-19 and never took place.
This weekend, The National once again returns home with Homecoming 2023, a two-day festival at on the banks of the Ohio River in Downtown Cincinnati featuring the band doing two unique back-to-back headlining performances, as well as a lineup of other acts hand picked by the band.
The What, Where & When
The National: Homecoming 2023 returns to Cincinnati, OH on Friday, September 15th through Saturday, September 16th at The Icon Festival Stage at Smale Park. Doors open at 11:00am each day, with live music beginning at 1:00pm on Friday and 12:30pm on Saturday.
The Who
The National headlines both nights but will be providing two completely unique performances. Prior to Homecoming 2020 being canceled, the plan was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of ‘High Violet’ with a live performance of the album. Now in 2023, ‘Trouble Will Find Me’ has also passed the 10 year mark. Those hoping to see music from the recently released ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ will have to wait – The National will commemorate both of these albums with performances of ‘High Violet’ in full on Friday night and ‘Trouble Will Find Me’ in full on Saturday.
The rest of the festival lineup is curated by The National themselves, a way to expose their favorite independent musicians to Cincinnati and the city of Cincinnati to fans of independent music. Featured performances include legendary songwriter and award winning poet Patti Smith and indie-rock icons Pavement, as well as garage rock revivalists The Walkmen, and experimental singer, songwriter & musician Weyes Blood. Other performers include Grammy Award winner Arooj Aftab, critically acclaimed Snail Mail, genre-bending Bartees Strange, singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin, Carriers, The Drin, Ballard, and Leo Pastel.
The What Else
Besides all the great live music, the festival includes curated art installations, local and regional food vendors, liquid refreshments, and festival merchandise.
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
The How
Single Day and 2-Day tickets are still available, then get to Cincinnati.
Additional information is available below
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